Soldatkin Outlasts Samociuk to Claim RIZIN Heavyweight
Alexander Soldatkin defeated Marek Samociuk by unanimous decision in the heavyweight tournament final at RIZIN.51 on September 28, 2025, in Nagoya, Japan. All three judges favored Soldatkin after three rounds.
A final fought largely on the feet
The fighters began with jabs, straight punches and attacks to the legs. Soldatkin’s jab drew blood, while Samociuk found success with calf kicks. Soldatkin briefly completed a trip, but Samociuk returned to his feet.
Samociuk continued attacking the calf in the second round. Soldatkin attempted spinning kicks, and one exchange ended with Samociuk on top delivering short punches. Both men had moments rather than one fighter controlling every phase.
Soldatkin finishes the tournament on top
Soldatkin landed repeated calf kicks in the third round as the contest remained primarily a striking battle. Attempts to create late takedown opportunities did not produce a decisive finish. The judges returned a unanimous verdict for Soldatkin, making the decision the conclusion of the heavyweight tournament.
Samociuk’s calf kicks kept the striking exchanges from becoming one-sided, while Soldatkin answered with jabs and his own leg attacks. Neither fighter found a finish, and the brief takedown exchanges did not decide the contest. After three rounds of alternating offense, the judges gave Soldatkin the heavyweight tournament final.
